As I mentioned in my previous post, scientific studies (e.g. experimental v. observational design) have different strengths and weaknesses. Sources of evidence range from case reports at the lower end to well-designed large randomized experimental clinical studies that minimize bias. Relying on poor quality evidence can lead to policy decisions that aren't in patients’ best interests- and it's super important [...]
Medicine and public health have relied on peer-reviewed published scientific literature to help guide progress in patient treatment and public health interventions for decades- even centuries. For example, when we did the fact-finding to inform our decision about whether to add the petitioned conditions to the list of disorders that qualify for AZ medical marijuana cards- [...]
We’re committed to reducing substance abuse in Arizona and we’re consistently reminding the public to get rid of old medication to reduce the number of unintentional poisonings. With more Arizonans dying every year from misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers than car crashes- it's more important than ever to educate health care providers... so we’re hosting a forum to discuss this [...]
Our own Dr. Laura Nelson was recognized for her outstanding leadership and skills as President of National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Her service was rewarded at the annual conference for State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors where she received the presidents award for her work! While presenting the award, the president called Dr. Nelson, [...]
Check our our July Recovery WORKS Newsletter. It's full of excellent inspirational stories about Recovery and is a great source of news and other community information.
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council finished it's website makeover this week at www.azdes.gov/ADDPC. One of our goals for the last couple of years has been to become a more efficient hub of information for folks with disabilities, their families and providers. The site uses something called an Ektron operating platform which is designed for ease of use, meaning it's easy [...]
SAMHSA put a great new resource from their Center for Integrated Health Solutions which helps prepare behavioral health provider organizations to become health homes by outlining the essential clinical features. It also displays examples of how behavioral health provider organizations are successfully implementing the clinical features of a health home around the country. Check it out.
Imagine your son or daughter is riding their bicycle in rural Arizona when a car swerves and crashes into them, causing a severe head injury. They are clinging to life. Until several years ago, if this injury had happened anywhere other than Flagstaff, Tucson or Phoenix, your child’s chance of receiving specialized trauma care within [...]
Registered Dietitians are on the front lines of our battle against obesity. They work everyday to help people understand the importance of balancing diet and exercise - not necessarily an easy task in this junk-food, drive-thru world. Some of them are really good at it - including our own Adrienne Udarbe and Maricopa County's Trudes Rodriquez. The Arizona Academy of [...]
The AZ Medical Marijuana Act requires us to periodically accept petitions to add new medical conditions to the list of conditions that qualify folks for an AZ Medical Marijuana Registration Card. In January, we accepted petitions from the public and had a public hearing in May. Folks submitted numerous articles as a part their petitions for PTSD 1; PTSD 2; Depression; Migraines; and Generalized [...]
